If you’re looking for an insurance agent in Stamford, CT, you can always do an initial search by getting online comparison quotes rather than picking up the phone. You need a professional agent, and also want to find cheaper auto insurance prices.
Because there are so many options when it comes to auto insurance, it can be diffult for consumers to locate the right insurance company.
Quote online, buy local
Educated insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help submit paperwork. The best thing about price shopping on the web is that you can obtain the best rates and still have an agent to talk to.
Once you complete this short form, your insurance coverage information is emailed to companies in Stamford who will give you bids for your business. You won’t need to leave your computer as quotes are delivered to the email address you provide. It doesn’t get any easier!
Deciding on a car insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just a cheap price. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
- Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?
- Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
- Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
- Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
Choose an insurance agent wisely
When finding a reputable insurance agent or broker, you need to know there are two types of agencies from which to choose. Stamford agents are either independent (non-captive) or captive. Both types can write coverage properly, but it’s good to learn the differences since it can impact the selection process.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive insurance agents can only place business with one company such as AAA, Allstate and State Farm. They are unable to compare other company’s rates so keep that in mind. Captive agencies are usually quite knowledgeable in insurance sales which helps them compete with independent agents.
Shown below are Stamford captive insurance agencies that are able to give price quotes.
State Farm Insurance – 231 Hope St – Stamford, CT 06906 – (203) 323-6300
Liberty Mutual Insurance – 456 Glenbrook Rd – Stamford, CT 06906 – (203) 327-9400
Allstate Insurance – 1122 E Main St # 2 – Stamford, CT 06902 – (203) 356-8980
Independent Agents
Independent agencies are not employed by any specific company so they can insure your vehicles with many different companies depending on which coverage is best. To transfer your coverage to a different company, your agent can switch companies and that require little work on your part.
When comparing rates, we recommend you include price quotes from multiple independent agents to ensure the widest selection of prices.
Below are independent insurance agents in Stamford that are able to give price quotes.
Gene De Luca Agency Inc – 44 Strawberry Hill Ave – Stamford, CT 06902 – (203) 323-6600
Insurance Advisors – 1200 High Ridge Rd – Stamford, CT 06905 – (203) 329-4490
Reinsurance Consultants – 197 Knickerbocker Ave – Stamford, CT 06907 – (203) 316-0015
Raiteri Agency – 800 Summer St # 412 – Stamford, CT 06901 – (203) 324-5114
Putnam Agency – 2015 W Main St – Stamford, CT 06902 – (203) 967-1550
For a complete listing of auto insurance agents in Stamford, visit this site.
Once you have received positive responses for all questions you ask and a good coverage price, you may have just found an insurance agency that meets your needs to properly service your auto insurance policy.
Your personal situation dictates your coverage
When it comes to choosing proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn’t really a “best” method to buy coverage. Each situation is unique and your policy should reflect that. These are some specific questions can aid in determining whether you might need an agent’s assistance.
- Am I covered when driving a rental car?
- Does my policy pay for OEM or aftermarket parts?
- Is business property covered if stolen from my car?
- Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
- Where can I get insurance after a DUI in Connecticut?
- Am I covered by my employer’s commercial auto policy when driving my personal car for business?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent.
Alternatives to buying locally
Insurance agents serve a purpose, but Connecticut drivers can also buy directly from online companies. Some specific companies who have local agents in Stamford also give you the ability to buy direct on their websites, so that should be considered as an alternative to contacting agents.
If you’re concerned about whether or not you’ll have guidance, that is quite common when buying online the first time. Auto insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages provide phone numbers and online resources for answering any questions you have. Many online companies also provide anytime access to help and a customer research section to help you answer questions.
Do online companies provide lower prices? Whether or not you’ll save is impossible to say since there may be dozens of rate factors that determine the price you pay. It’s logical to say that buying online saves the cost of an agent commission. For the majority of companies, however, there are high advertising and marketing costs and this drives up their premium costs.
The best approach to find out if prices are better online or from an agent is getting rates for as many of both types of providers as possible. You may actually get a different price from the SAME company depending on if you quote online or with their agents.
Online plus local equals savings
While you’re price shopping online, it’s very important that you do not buy poor coverage just to save money. There have been many situations where an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits only to discover later that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your focus should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.
Insureds switch companies for a number of reasons such as policy cancellation, an unsatisfactory settlement offer, denial of a claim and even high prices. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, switching auto insurance companies is less work than it seems.
Additional detailed information can be found at the Connecticut Insurance Department website. Visitors are able to find out industry alerts, file complaints about a company, and find out which companies have the most complaints.
